The Russian Federation is one of the few countries actively engaging in espionage activities within Ireland. This was stated in an interview with RTE by Michael McElgunn, head of the Irish police's security and intelligence unit.
"We have a duty to investigate and manage the threats from hostile states and that includes espionage in the State. We are committed to monitoring the particular threats. Russia is one of those countries we have an interest in," he said.
The security and intelligence unit has four departments monitoring the activities of four countries in Ireland.
"I’m cautious. Ireland maintains diplomatic relations with these countries," McElgunn said, adding that, considering events in Salisbury, UK, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "however if we look at events in Salisbury, in the UK and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I don’t think too many people would be surprised if I was to say Russia was one of these states."
He also noted that his unit monitors China's activities in Ireland, as despite good relations with China, which is a major global power, the EU views it as an economic competitor and a systemic rival on the world stage.
